Switched reluctance motors use electromagnetic forces to produce torque. They have high power output and few moving parts, but can be noisy and inefficient for low torque applications. Digital technologies can help optimize performance and increase efficiency, making them feasible for high-volume or high-power applications.
A switched reluctance motor works through the manipulation of electromagnetic forces. Reluctance motors, in general, depend on a process known as magnetic reluctance to produce torque. Engines designed this way often have significant advantages over other designs. Several disadvantages, however, limit the applications for which a switched reluctance motor might be best. Controlling this process can be challenging, but digital technologies help many of them.
These motors typically consist of a rotor, which is typically made of iron, and electromagnets. These electromagnets are not constantly on. Instead, they turn on and off to establish the poles in the ferromagnetic rotor. When multiple electromagnets around the rotor are switched in the correct sequence, torque is established and pushed further. When starting torque is reduced by a soft starter, this method of producing torque is often considered to be very beneficial.
A key advantage of a switched reluctance motor is the relatively high power output within generally compact designs. Compared to many others, reluctance motors are often considered much simpler because there are few moving parts other than the rotor. Another advantage of these motors is that the sequence can often be reversed, possibly creating equal torque in both directions.
Despite these advantages, a switched reluctance motor is often noisy and too powerful for low torque applications. Rotor misalignment or commutation sequence can lead to inefficiency, especially for more powerful motors. Increasing the power of these motors also means increasing the complexity of the commutation sequence, which limits the possibility of controlling them with a direct mechanical or electrical command.
These design challenges often limit the applications for which a switched reluctance motor can be most useful. Early reluctance motors were often used in locomotives and other high-power applications. In the early 21st century, a switched reluctance motor could be used as part of an oil or fuel pump. It could also be used as part of a vacuum cleaner or large fan motor. Optimization is often a costly challenge, so a switched reluctance motor is often considered feasible only for high-volume or high-power applications.
Digital technologies can alleviate many of the challenges associated with optimizing these engines. Rather than depending on mechanical processes to ensure proper switching, computer controls provide a buffer between direct power and electromagnetic control. The computers can also monitor the alignment of the rotor and magnets to optimize performance during operation. Overall efficiency can also be improved through a digital switched reluctance motor, which can increase potential applications.
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